Russia may use Iran-supplied missiles to target Ukraine's infrastructure this fall and winter — ISW
Фото: West Asia News Agency/Handout
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russia may use Iranian Fateh-360 missiles to strike Ukraine's energy, civilian, and military infrastructure during the fall and winter.
According to the ISW, Iran recently delivered over 200 Fateh-360 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. The British newspaper The Times, citing sources, reported that a Russian ship transported the Fateh-360 missiles to an unknown port in the Caspian Sea on September 4.
"US and European officials recently confirmed that Iran began supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles, and ISW assessed that Russian forces will likely use the Iranian-supplied missiles to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure over the coming fall and winter," the report states.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing American and European officials, Iran sent its short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. The media outlet notes that Iran's transfer of these missiles "provides Moscow with another powerful tool in the war against Ukraine."
On September 7, however, Iran denied the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, with its UN mission stating that Iran's stance on the Ukrainian conflict remains unchanged. According to the IRNA news agency, the mission declared that Iran does not provide military aid to any party in the war and called on other countries to do the same.
Cooperation between Iran and Russia
It is important to note that Iran is one of the few countries supporting Russia and assisting its military. Tehran has provided kamikaze drones and missiles to Russian forces.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Iran delivered a new batch of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia amid increased Russian attacks on Ukraine.
ISW analysts highlighted that this is part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between Iran and Russia. In return for the missiles, Iran is seeking Su-35 fighter jets from Moscow.
Earlier media reports had already suggested that Iran might be supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. In February last year, Reuters reported that Russia had received hundreds of Zolfaghar missiles, which can strike targets up to 700 kilometers away. However, Ukrainian intelligence and other official sources did not confirm these reports.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Iran to refrain from transferring any weapons or military equipment to Russia.
